stopImportant information for all staff press 20 August 2020 Brexit: EU nationals applying for settled status in the UK The purpose of this Stop Press is to provide guidance and support for members of staff from the European Union (EU) who need to apply for settled status now that the UK has left the EU and provides an update of estimated processing time for applications by the Home Office.

In order for EU citizens from European NHS Ayrshire & Arran values the contribution Economic Area (with the exception of the of all our staff and would encourage EU Republic of Ireland) and Swiss nationals to colleagues, if they have not done so already, to continue, working, studying and living in progress their application for settlement. the UK, they will need to apply for the UK Government’s EU settlement scheme by 30 How to apply June 2021. Please note that it is free to apply The application process for settlement is done to the settlement scheme. online using the following Home Office portal: EU citizens who have been resident in the UK https://www.gov.uk/eusettledstatus for five continuous years can apply for ‘settled The portal provides step-by-step guidance, status’ and those who have been resident for and covers whether you need to apply; what less than five years can apply for ‘pre-settled status you will get; and what happens after status’. you have applied. Our purpose

Working together to achieve the healthiest life possible for everyone in Ayrshire and Arran Follow us on Twitter @NHSaaa Visit our website: www.nhsaaa.net Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nhsaaa All our publications are available in other formats In order to progress your application: Further information and support • You must verify your identity by scanning a biometric passport, national identity card or Local resources: residence card using an app on your phone; We have a dedicated Brexit page on AthenA using an ID document scanning service for employees: location; or sending your documents to the http://athena/ohrd/HRSERV/Pages/Brexit. Home Office. Please note that the scanning aspx option typically has a quicker processing time. If you have any further general queries or concerns, or need HR assistance, please email • You must show you have been resident [email protected] in the UK. This requires you to either provide a National Insurance number for National support resources: an automated check or show proof of your The following national resources may also residence. be useful as you progress your settlement • You must declare any criminal history. application: If you are facing difficulties with your Scottish Government EU exit website: application and want additional support, https://www.mygov.scot/brexit/ advice or information, you can contact Citizens Law Society of Scotland – if you need to Advice Scotland by calling the national find a private solicitor who specialises in helpline free on 0800 916 9847. immigration: Processing times https://www.lawscot.org.uk/find-a-solicitor/ It usually takes around five working days for Office of the Immigration Services completed applications to be processed if no Commissioner – to find an immigration further information is required, but it can take adviser near you: up to a month. https://home.oisc.gov.uk/adviser_finder/ The Home Office advise that due to finder.aspx coronavirus it is taking longer to return documents, where these are requested or when using the paper option. The Home Office Tell us what you think... If you would therefore suggests that you do not apply if you like to comment on any issues raised by this Stop Press, please email comms@aaaht. need your documents returned by a specific scot.nhs.uk or write to the Communications date - for example, if you need them to travel Department, 28 Lister Street. If you provide - as they cannot guarantee a return date. your contact details, we will acknowledge your comments and pass them to the appropriate Applications are likely to take longer than a departments for a response. month to process if: Name and department (optional) • The Home Office request more information from you Comments • You submit a paper application • You have a relevant criminal record • You are a non-EEA or non-SWISS citizen and are applying based on a relationship you haven’t relied on in a previous application to the Home Office.

2